No, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is not bigger than Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
North Carolina's Airport Landscape
Charlotte Douglas International Airport holds the distinction of being the largest airport in the state of North Carolina. Raleigh-Durham International Airport, while significant, ranks as the second-largest airport in North Carolina, directly behind Charlotte Douglas.
To illustrate the hierarchy of major airports in North Carolina:
| Rank in North Carolina | Airport Name |
|---|---|
| 1st | Charlotte Douglas International Airport |
| 2nd | Raleigh-Durham International Airport |
Understanding Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Although not the largest, Raleigh-Durham International Airport plays a crucial role in air travel for a substantial region. Its primary catchment area extends across central and eastern North Carolina, as well as southern Virginia.
Key characteristics and operations at RDU include:
- Geographic Reach: Serves a wide area covering major parts of North Carolina and southern Virginia.
- Airline Operations: It functions as an operating base for Avelo Airlines.
- Focus City: RDU is also designated as a focus city for Delta Air Lines, indicating a significant presence and a hub for their operations in the region.
This positioning underscores Raleigh-Durham's importance as a major air travel gateway for its region, despite being smaller in scale compared to Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
